US Bridges

I 95 over Norfolk Southern

Fair

New Castle County, Delaware · North of Christiana Inter · Structure no. 1745 059

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
460 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
90,773
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 95 over Norfolk Southern is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 95 over Norfolk Southern in New Castle County, Delaware. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 63 years old, older than the Delaware average of 47.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 90,773 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 136,935 by 2042. The structure is 460 ft (140.2 m) long and 111 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 95
CrossesNorfolk Southern
LocationNorth of Christiana Inter
RouteInterstate 95
CountyNew Castle County
StateDelaware
Coordinates39.72097, -75.57716
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.4 US tons
Inventory rating59 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length460 ft (140.2 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width111 ft (33.8 m)
Roadway width105 ft (31.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic90,773 (2023)
Projected traffic136,935 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I 95 over Norfolk Southern built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is I 95 over Norfolk Southern in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does I 95 over Norfolk Southern carry?

About 90,773 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is I 95 over Norfolk Southern?

The structure is 460 ft (140.2 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 111 ft wide.

Who owns I 95 over Norfolk Southern?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.